SAN FRANCISCO – Pinch-hitter Kendra Wood's (San Jose, California, Lynbrook) walkoff two-run homer lifted the San Francisco State softball team to a dramatic 2-0 victory over Cal State Stanislaus in game one of a California Collegiate Athletic Association doubleheader on Friday at SFSU Softball Field. Wood's heroics ended a five-game losing streak for the Gators, who came back to capture the nightcap by a 6-2 margin. With the sweep, SF State improves to 6-9 on the season and 3-7 in conference play, while the Warriors slip to 8-4 overall and 3-3 in the CCAA.
Gator starter Ashley Jackson (Vallejo, California, St. Patrick's-St. Vincent) pitched a complete game in the opener, scattering six hits and three walks while striking out seven to even her record at 3-3. Jessica Gaumnitz (5-2) also went the distance for CSUS, giving up three walks and five hits, including Wood's blast with one out in the bottom of the seventh.
SF State threatened with a runner at second base in four of the first six innings, but was unable to capitalize. Then in the seventh, Alyssa Esquibel (San Jose, California, Archbishop Mitty) led off with a walk, while Lauren Candia (San Francisco, California, University of San Francisco)came in to pinch run. After Kelly McDonald's (Gilroy, California, Live Oak) sacrifice bunt, Wood, who pinch hit for Arianna Welch, deposited the game-winner over the left field fence.
In game two, the Gators rallied for six runs in their final three innings to erase a 2-0 deficit. SF State dented the scoreboard in the fourth on Kelsey Wood's (San Jose, California, Lynbrook) sacrifice fly, while Karolyn Gubbine (Richmond, California, Pinole Valley) drove in pair with a double in the fifth to put the home team ahead to stay at 3-2.
SF State then added a trio of insurance runs in the sixth to put the game out of reach. After the Gators loaded the bases, Kendra Wood crossed the plate on a wild pitch, while Lea Cardenas (Sanger, California, Sanger) promptly scored on Jessica Delgado's (Monterey, California, North Monterey, Cal State Monterey Bay) sacrifice fly. Shortly thereafter, Danielle Chapman (San Jose, California, Westmont, San Jose City College) reached on an error, which brought home Elizabeth Best-Still (Rancho Cordova, California, Cordova) from third to provide the final outcome.
Carolyn Knudson (Napa, California, Vintage, Napa Valley Junior College) (2-2) gave up two runs on six hits and struck out five in five innings of work to earn the victory, while reliever Vanessa Truan (San Jose, California, Leland) allowed just one hit in two innings to pick up her second save. CSUS' Jennifer Arnold (3-2) pitched 4 1/3 innings in the loss, ceding three runs on five hits.
The Gators and Warriors conclude their four-game series with another twin bill on Saturday, Feb. 28, at SFSU Softball Field. First pitch is set for noon.
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
